Helen Newbery has raised more than £13,000 for charity
This time last year Manx resident Helen Newbery noticed an 'unusual bump' in her breast.
A regular walker and four-time finisher of the Parish Walk, Helen put it down to inflammation from a sports bra she'd been wearing during a recent 100-mile trek along the South Downs Way.
However, after a month without change, a visit to the doctors revealed she had two types of breast cancer.
Between August 2023 and January 2024 Helen endured several rounds of chemotherapy, multiple radiotherapy sessions, and a bilateral mastectomy - she's still receiving injections every three weeks and needs bone infusions via cannula twice a year for the next two years.
In February, just a month after surgery, she decided to try and get back to her pre-cancer fitness levels and challenged herself to walk 1000 miles to raise money for the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group.
So far, via her JustGiving page, she's raised £13,000 for the charity.
Helen says: 'The Breast Clinic at Noble's Hospital, Isle of Man, is supported by the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group. This charity has raised millions of pounds since it was formed in 2012 and now, as I come to the end of my treatment, I would like to add to those millions in some small way.'
Manx Radio was there with Helen's family and friends when she rang the bell at the top of Slieau Freoaghane signalling the end of her challenge:
'I met some amazing women along the way and we've helped each other along the way. Some people aren't lucky enough to find that type of support'
Helen told Manx Radio that getting back to exercise has aided her recovery, and she now wants to create a walk-and-talk group for women going through the same thing, called 'Breast Foot Forward'.
You can listen to Helen's full interview with Lewis Foster via Newscast below:
New Public Health Director looking forward to bringing his skills to the Island
Drunken argument lands Santon man with £750 fine
Fire Service responding to increased e-bike call outs
Western Civic Amenity Site sets out new charges for electrical waste disposal